CISM kicks into full swing at Keesler Air Force Base

Published June 8, 2009
By Senior Airman Eric Summers
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Heavy breathing and sprinting make the scene of this battlefield. As the women go back and forth, kicks flail and head-butts are heard off the field. This is soon followed by a shoot. Goal!

This is one of the many scenes during the 5th Counseil Du International Sports Militaire Women's Soccer Championship tournament hosted by Keesler June 6- 13.

The tournament is one of many sports tournaments conducted my CISM throughout the world, but is the only event taking place in the United States this year. The U.S. is joined by teams from Brazil, Canada, Germany, France, The Netherlands and the Republic of South Korea to compete for this year's championship.

CISM represents more than just athletic competition. It's also a chance for the teams to learn about each other and their cultures while encouraging bonds and friendships to be formed. This promotes CISM's motto of "Friendship though Sports."

"Everything has been going very smooth thanks to Team Keesler," said Brian Mooers, Keesler's CISM coordinator "We had eight squadrons on base "adopt" a team, which gives them a great opportunity to share and learn about the cultures of the team they're sponsoring."

The event also gives the community a form of live entertainment that is rare in the U.S.
"It has been really nice to see the community come out and watch the games," said Col. Ian Dickinson, 81st Training Wing commander. "CISM officials have said that the participation from the base and community have set this event apart from other CISM events -- now that's wonderful."

"As an ex-soccer player and coach, I'm very happy that the games are being sponsored here by Keesler and the Gulf Coast -- this is very much my event," said resident Mike Halloran. "It's nice to see this quality of soccer in the area, and I look forward to the next week of games."

"I think it's a wonderful thing that helps reach out to the community, and I'm glad that I could a part of it," said Senior Airman Jeremy Journigan, a Keesler volunteer the 81st Force Support Squadron.

In addition to the games, participants will be part of a culture event in which they'll share and learn about the heritage of each team.

"The players seem to love the field on the Gulf Coast, and the other events off the field give them time to develop bonds and friendships which is the main point of CISM," said Mr. Mooers.

"It has been very good here with nice weather and nice people," said Leoni Troup, a player from The Netherlands. "We are looking forward to the cultural events and hopefully get to some of the city."

Lt. Col. Marcus Cranston, 81st Aerospace Medical Squadron, said that this event has been great and that the community has supported it well. He felt that the games have been very competitive and the level of play for the women has been impressive.

For a full list of games, scores and photos from previous matches and more information, log on to http://www.Keesler.af.mil.